Yes, home births are legal in Michigan, but they are tightly governed by state statutes and local health department oversight, with midwifery practices subject to 2026 licensure mandates under Public Act 23 of 2023.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Michigan
- Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) starting January 1, 2026, per the Midwifery Practice Act; unlicensed practitioners risk misdemeanor penalties.
- Physician oversight is required for home births attended by CPMs, necessitating a collaborative agreement with a Michigan-licensed physician for emergency transfer protocols and neonatal care.
- Emergency transport plans are mandatory; midwives must file a written plan with the local health department, and failure to adhere to transfer protocols may trigger investigations by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Home births in Michigan operate under a hybrid regulatory framework blending licensure, physician collaboration, and local health oversight. The 2026 licensure requirement for CPMs aligns Michigan with national standards set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM), while MDHHS retains authority to investigate adverse outcomes or violations of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.9101 et seq.). Out-of-state midwives may practice only if they obtain Michigan licensure or secure a limited permit under LARA’s transitional rules.